Just finished reading When we were orphans (2000) by Kazao Ishiguro. I had read only of his novels earlier. The Nobel prize for literature no doubt renewed interest. Views expressed talked about deliberate vagueness left by him in his work while he writes about Japan and England to keep the reader guessing.
Well, there is no vagueness about the above book. It is a finely crafted novel which slowly unravels the story. It is a meandering tale but Ishiguro ensures that reader's interest does not flag and s/he wants to turn the next page or start the next chapter. It is a very satisfying experience as we readers get our due. The writer is working for us, ensuring that we remain engaged.
The plot involves Christopher Banks, known as Puffin in his family circle who is forced to leave Shanghai after losing both his parents in mysterious circumstances. He joins his aunt in England and joins an elite school. He realizes his passion for detective work and solves the mystery surrounding his parents.
I will not reveal the mystery but I will give clues. The setting is in 1930 - 1937. It involves efforts of Chinese authorities to curb opium trade and Puffin's mother tries to lend help which has disastrous consequences for herself and her family.
Opium trade immediately brings to mind Amitava Ghosh's Sea of poppies and its two sequels in which Ghosh is unable to sustain the narrative in spite of a brilliant beginning. Ishiguro on the other hand, is in full control of his story. He has meticulously planned everything and as a master of his craft he creates, builds and sustains our interest throughout.
The narrative does flag in places but after skipping a few paragraphs/pages, the reader is back with him.
Well, there is no vagueness about the above book. It is a finely crafted novel which slowly unravels the story. It is a meandering tale but Ishiguro ensures that reader's interest does not flag and s/he wants to turn the next page or start the next chapter. It is a very satisfying experience as we readers get our due. The writer is working for us, ensuring that we remain engaged.
The plot involves Christopher Banks, known as Puffin in his family circle who is forced to leave Shanghai after losing both his parents in mysterious circumstances. He joins his aunt in England and joins an elite school. He realizes his passion for detective work and solves the mystery surrounding his parents.
I will not reveal the mystery but I will give clues. The setting is in 1930 - 1937. It involves efforts of Chinese authorities to curb opium trade and Puffin's mother tries to lend help which has disastrous consequences for herself and her family.
Opium trade immediately brings to mind Amitava Ghosh's Sea of poppies and its two sequels in which Ghosh is unable to sustain the narrative in spite of a brilliant beginning. Ishiguro on the other hand, is in full control of his story. He has meticulously planned everything and as a master of his craft he creates, builds and sustains our interest throughout.
The narrative does flag in places but after skipping a few paragraphs/pages, the reader is back with him.
